Technologists Report Overall Job Satisfaction: 10-Year Retrospective Study Examines Career Patterns

Abstract

In 1993, the Research and Development Committee of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry conducted a 10-year retrospective study of medical technologists to determine career progression after certification. Approximately 1,000 surveys were mailed to medical technologists who were certified by the Board of Registry in 1983. The committee assessed 417 usable surveys, representing a 42 % return, regarding the sample’s professional activities from 1983 to 1992. The committee evaluated a variety of activities with emphasis on patterns in salary levels; specialization; acquisition of additional certification, degrees, or both; promotion; and career changes. Overall, a positive portrait of the career patterns of medical technologists emerges with 75% of respondents remaining in the laboratory work force at the end of the 10-year period and more than 75% reporting their job satisfaction as moderate or high.